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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Jane Hamilton

Son of Bible John victim speaks for first time in bid to find justice for murdered mum

The son of Bible John's third victim has spoken for the first time about his fight to find justice for his mum.

David Puttock was just five years old when his 29-year-old mother Helen was murdered in October 1969 after a night out with her sister at Barrowlands Ballroom.

Her death has haunted the now 57-year-old, who says he feels angry that her killer has never been found, the Daily Record reports.

David explained that his dad George is now 80, and deserves some closure.

He explained: "I wish that police could look at the murders again and try to get some answers for the families.

"My dad, George, is in his 80s and has poor health. The murder still haunts him and he deserves some justice. So does my mum."

David and his dad George Puttock (Daily Record)

Helen was raped and strangled with her tights in Scotstoun, following a night out with sister Jean McLachlan in October 1969.

The women had met with two men, both called John. One said he was from Castlemilk and worked as a slater.

At the end of the evening, he walked to George Square to catch a bus, leaving the sisters to share a taxi with the suspected killer.

David, who has lived in Canada since his 20s, visited the area around the Barrowland on his return to Scotland.

He said: "I felt a lump in my throat when I realised how close I was to the Barrowlands. It felt surreal.

"I was too young to really remember her. I remember some things about her, but they are very distant memories. It feels sad we didn't get to know her, whoever killed her took that away. I get angry when I think about it but I try not to get upset, and stay upbeat.

"It's difficult when I realise how much time has gone by and nobody has ever been caught."

David, who was brought up by George and his wife of 47 years, Mavis, said he was 11 before he found out what had happened to his mum.

He said: "Dad didn't think it was right that me and my brother, Michael, knew at such a young age and tried to shield us from that but we had heard some things from other kids and had a vague awareness so dad had to sit us down and tell us what happened to mum.

"For a long time afterwards I suffered nightmares and struggled with it, but over the years I've read everything I could, but it often feels like I'm walking a tightrope with my dad. I don't want to bring back sad memories for him so I try not to ask him too much."

David, a father himself, said he wants Police Scotland to crack the infamous case with a fresh investigation.

George Puttock at his murdered wife Helen's graveside (Daily Record)

He said: "Surely in this day and age they can find some scrap of evidence, especially with all the advances in DNA and investigation techniques?

"I know some names have been suggested over the years and police have been unable to tie it together but for my dad's sake I'd like him to have some closure. Fifty-two years is a long time to be left without answers."

The serial killer, nicknamed Bible John because he quoted from scripture, is said to have stalked the Barrowland dance hall before selecting his three young victims.

The first was 25-year-old Patricia Docker, strangled after going to the Barrowland in February 1968.

The following year, mum-of-three Jemima McDonald, 32, was found strangled, raped and beaten to death.

Three months later, Helen was murdered.

There was renewed interest in the case last year following a BBC documentary.

Police say the cases are open and they would welcome any new information.

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